Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Breakthrough, Inigo Martinez Latest

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke will "force through a summer move to Liverpool," according to the Sun (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro).

Sanderson's article suggests the Reds are "ready to offer £30 million" for the Belgian who has enjoyed a fantastic end to the season. As noted by Sanderson, Benteke is "more than happy" to push for an Anfield switch. It is suggested Liverpool will offer £100,000 per week for his services, or in other words, the sum wantaway winger Raheem Sterling turned down earlier this season, per Ben Smith of BBC Sport.

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Benteke is the physical specimen needed to lead Liverpool's line. He is capable of dropping deep to collect the ball, remaining high to hold possession up, and most importantly, is a clinical finisher inside the box. The 24-year-old has netted 12 in his last 11 matches across all competitions, per WhoScored.com, including one against the Reds during the FA Cup semi-final.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood has found it most lucrative to play fast-paced attacking football toward Benteke's position. Brendan Rodgers' side is set up to naturally do the same, with Benteke a smart choice to spearhead his side in what is looking like a post-Sterling era.

Bundesliga club Wolfsburg are also linked with a move for the striker, reported by Laurie Whitwell of the Daily Mail, but have recently suggested they aren't interested. Klaus Allofs, the club's director of football, spoke on the situation, per football writer Kristof Terreur:

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Rodgers' fourth season in charge is likely to be defined by whether or not he can land a trophy and return Liverpool to the Champions League. Top-quality acquisitions such as Benteke could make the difference.

Moyes Rules out Martinez Sale to Reds

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Real Sociedad manager David Moyes has teased Liverpool over the potential sale of centre-back Inigo Martinez. The Reds are said to have had a £14.3 million bid rejected, according to Marca (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star).

Moyes, who used to manage Liverpool's rivals Everton and Manchester United, suggested he wouldn't sell to the Premier League club: "Do you think I would want to sell him to Liverpool?" Moyes told Marca (h/t Malata). "We have not had any contact, it's speculation."

Martinez recently spoke about a disappointing season under Moyes. Sociedad are 12th in La Liga, and the player admits things haven't gone to plan under the new boss, reported by Roberto Ramajo of AS:

"

The early part of the season was difficult. Then we had a change of coach, Moyes came in with the intention of improving and changing things and it hasn’t worked out so well. Now we need to look forward, new players will come in during the summer and we need to see with these new additions if we can improve and aim to finish higher in the league.

"

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Martinez appears committed to the club, despite his ability to play at a higher level. Rodgers' defence is struggling toward the season's end and could use another leader to work alongside Martin Skrtel. Mamadou Sakho's injury has resulted in Dejan Lovren receiving additional playing time, but he remains inconsistent.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed who Liverpool should sign in the summer:

An interesting summer awaits for the Reds. Whether Sterling leaves or Benteke arrives, it looks to be another year of major change.

Without the lure of Champions League football, Rodgers may find his selection limited at a time where he needs to be branching out for world-class stars.